By Jamie Boler, The Red Elephant Studio.

“I guess the fear of exploding is what drives me to keep creating.  Probably that sometimes I feel so packed up with ideas I feel like I’m going to explode”, stated this month’s featured artist, Jamie Boler.   “I would consider some of my work to be abstract yet some I would consider to have a balance of what may be realistic with a small dash of what may not be.   I’m not sure of what a proper title for this style of art may be, not so realistic perhaps”, stated Jamie.

   Originally from Frankfort and now located in Scottsville, he works mostly in acrylic, oil pastels and charcoal but he also enjoys mixing mediums to see what outcomes he is able to achieve.  Jamie said this sometimes pushes him out of his comfort zone.  Finding himself standing before a blank surface knowing in his mind that he is about to attempt something new, he said that there is almost a fear of the outcome that lingers and he has to silence that fear and begin, like an internal battle and the victory is bittersweet. 

    “My work usually always begins with a general theme or idea that I am trying to achieve but always tends to change and evolve throughout the creation process.  One of two things tends to happen as I move through this creation process… I am just completely lost in the process and have absolutely no worry in the world, or I am going to end up frustrated and with a headache at which point I must walk away.  The irony of this situation is that, no matter which path I end up on, I rarely can look at a piece and feel that it is good enough.  I suppose this is both good and bad, some would call it being to hard on yourself, I believe it is that feeling that pushes me to become better.  My hope is that when people look at my art they take the opportunity to stop and feel the emotion that wells up inside of them, to interpret that emotion and begin to develop their own thoughts and feelings about my work.  I think that is one of the amazing things about art, the same piece can mean so many different things to so many different people.  I suppose I should back up and say first that I hope my work evokes emotion in people”.

   Jamie said that he has a hectic schedule to keep and creates whenever the opportunity presents itself, but if he could pick his favorite time, it is in the evening with the music is cranked up and a cup of strong black coffee at hand.

   Mr. Boler said that art has been a part of his life as long as he can remember.  Some of the early works that stick out are a piece of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln he did in the third grade, a Bob Ross Landscape, and his favorite at the time, Dinosaurs.  Bob Ross was in water color and the other two in crayon and colored pencil.  He said that his artwork has since evolved.  He said, “I was a student of art all the way through grade school and high school even taking some private art lessons when I was younger but put it on the back burner when I got to college (I kick myself in the butt everyday).  My wife is the reason I rediscovered my passion she pushed me to get back into it.  It is such a shame when we don’t use talents we are given”.

   “It is my belief that we are each given unique talents and that these talents are not only meant for our enjoyment but also to be shared with others.  In my case I believe art it a vital part of development at all ages and is key in having a vibrant community; it is something we all should be exposed to.  To be simply put I believe it is important to work as much outside of your doors as you do inside.  Inspiration for me depends on what is going on in my life, it may be certain colors or objects, it may be things that people have said or it may be something I cannot see I just know it when it arrives.  One thing that has always been of great interest to me is the human figure, I have ventured away from it in my work but I am now returning to it and I am finding much joy in it”, said Jamie. 

   Jamie Boler has shown in the U. S. Bank Art Show in 2010 and 2011 in Bowling Green.  The Summers End Art Show in 2010 in Scottsville, the Public Art Hanging at the Gallery at 916 in 2010 and 2011 in Bowling Green and the All Juried Art Exhibit in 2011 at the Capital Arts Center in Bowling Green.  He has been awarded 1st place Amateur Acrylic in Summers End Art Show 2010 and 1st place Amateur Mixed Media Summers End Art Show in 2010 and is currently preparing for the 2011 Summers End Art Show in Scottsville.

   Jamie said, “It is my hope to become more prolific with my work showing in areas around the state and hopefully outside of the state eventually but I also look forward to future opportunities to share this talent with others as well whether through different art geared programs or giving artists the opportunity to display their work in our gallery at The Red Elephant Studio.

The Red Elephant Studio was recently opened by Jamie and his wife.  It offers both photography and visual arts by the couple and other artists.  The Studio began its summer art show series last summer to accompany the Arts on Main free concert on the square.  “We are in our second summer now and the series has gained the title Arts Off Main.  In our first show this summer we had eight different artist on display working in mediums that ranged from acrylic to oils, graphite and even photography.  Last summer was a great start showing over 15 different artist in 4 different shows, and we hope to have as many this summer if not more.  Our hope is not only to attract artists to our gallery but that the addition of the art shows to the already fantastic concert series will be another small step to creating a cultural and vibrant downtown atmosphere for Scottsville.  Our next show will be held on August 13, you can find a copy of the Arts Off Main Art Show schedule on our facebook page, you can also inquire about the art shows as well by email, redelephantstudio@gmail.com or by phone 270.239.1120.  I believe there is no greater responsibility than to work to better yourself, not for yourself, but that you may always give your best to others”, said Jamie.

   Jamie Boler left us with this thought:  “Put some feet to it” (ideas are nothing more than thoughts in our head until we take the steps to make them happen.)

   You can contact Jamie Boler at his studio website at:  www.theredelephantstudio.com  By phone at:  502.545.0117 or by email at: jdboler@gmail.com or redelephantstudio@gmail.com